The inaugural South Africa Fast Growth 100 list was launched today at a gala lunch as part of the State of Entrepreneurship Summit, held in Johannesburg during Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Founded by AllWorld Network, Endeavor SA and Professor Michael Porter of the Harvard Business School, the South Africa Fast Growth 100 list will showcase the country’s most innovative and dynamic privately owned companies — those that are spurring growth, creating jobs, driving the economy and fostering prosperity.
The most competitive nations in the world have the highest rates of entrepreneurship and fast-growing entrepreneurial companies provide a vital indicator of country competitiveness. In ranking these companies, the South Africa Fast Growth 100 list will provide an essential gauge of South Africa’s economic status and future growth potential. It will also highlight important entrepreneurial role models, thereby fostering a greater culture of entrepreneurship across the nation.
“When entrepreneurship takes hold, the growth momentum builds, generating economic breakthroughs and social progress. And that’s why growth entrepreneurship is the essential fuel powering widespread prosperity in the 21st century,” explained Deirdre M. Coyle, Jr., co-founder of AllWorld Network, addressing an audience of entrepreneurs, venture capital firms, financial institutions, media and international guests.
Speaking about Endeavor South Africa’s involvement in the programme, Malik Fal MD, added, “Endeavor South Africa is delighted to be part of the South Africa Fast Growth 100 list, which we believe is poised to generate much-needed excitement about entrepreneurship and its role in the future prosperity of South Africa.”
Applicants to the South Africa Fast Growth 100 list will be ranked according to revenue performance over the last five years, and will undergo a strenuous application process that includes reviewing of their audited financial statements.
The companies that make it on to the list will enjoy the benefits of national and international media exposure, and be connected to a global network of entrepreneurial peers.
Having already launched the Saudi Fast Growth 100 and Arabia 500 in the past two years, Coyle indicated AllWorld Network is concurrently launching the Africa 500 and plan to launch the Asia, Eurasia and Latin America 500s in the near future. “In 2012, we plan to publish the AllWorld 500 — the ranking of the most dynamic privately held companies in the emerging world,” she said. “For South Africa, it all begins here.”
Entrepreneurs can apply to the South Africa Fast Growth 100 list online by visiting www.southafricafastgrowth100.com. Applications close 15 March 2010.
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Source: AllWorld Network. PrNewswire
